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MON AMI

The time has come, mon ami, for me to take my voyage across the seas. I am taking a cruise around the continent of Europe, stopping here and there along the way. My voyage begins in Paris, before I take the train north to the coast and set sail.

I have reserved my hotel, directly off Line 12 on the Paris Metro. I have scoped out excursions while in Malta. I have picked out a few hammams to possibly visit while in Tunisia. Methinks, all is ready to go.

Now rather than pack, I am meditating on the subject: somehow I must fit two pairs of jeans, three shorts, eight shirts, one suit, two pairs of shoes, assorted socks and undies and bathroom-related things and of course presents for my lovely T.L., all in one carry-on suitcase. And the computer must also go in the luggage, as my second carryon will be my camera bag. It's going to be a tight fit.

The flight there is easy: Miami to Paris, direct. Bon jour. Getting home, however, is a chore: I end the cruise in Athens, but the airline has no flights from Athens to Miami (wtf?). So I must fly to Brussels, spend the night, then fly Brussels-Chicago and Chicago-Miami. There may be a viking ship or a covered wagon involved somewhere in the journey, I'm not sure what to expect.

I'm not complaining. This trip is being mostly paid for by credit card miles, which I have been saving for YEARS. And I tell you, those miles really are worth it if you get enough of them. I highly recommend getting one of those credit cards for yourself, you will get free trips! Free free free. Actually it costs, like, $30 to process everything but that's fine.

Can you tell I'm nervous? I'm just typing, typing.

I'm most nervous about making my rendevous with T.L., who is currently in possession of maps and directions and instructions of where to meet me in Paris. He must disembark from his ship, come to my hotel tucked away in the Latin Quarter, and collect me to bring me back. Luckily we have an entire day for him to find me. Hopefully it won't be that arduous an experience for him, and we'll actually have time to stroll the streets of the city and nibble baguettes. Or there is the possibility he will show up in tears, having walked circles around the city screaming in a mix of Spanish and Hank-Azaria-in-The-Birdcage English for someome to help. And the Parisians are such an understanding, patient people, you know.

There was a great section (simple but humorous) about modern day European vacations in the August 2009 GQ. It included "Alan Richman's All-Carbohydrate Day in Paris" which seemed to me to the best way to spend time in Paris. It might be worth a google.

I heart free trips too. I flew to Madrid this spring for $40 with my miles. My journey was equally challenging St. Louis to DC to Miami to Madrid and back was Madrid Miami Atlanta St. Louis. BTW the Miami airport is no fun, hopefully once remodeled it will be a bit nicer. Have fun on your trip!

Have a great time! Can't wait to see pic, you might have to open a flickr acct you know!
How did you know that when I think of TL that is who I think of, Hank Azaria in the Birdcage! lol I am sure he will find you!
HAVE FUN!

Hi Dan. Try to not sit for too long while at work (though i assume you must)... Did u know sitting for too long is cause for horroroids (hemorrhoids)? YUP! I looked it up the other day cuz my dad got an operation for it ( i know TMI) and saw that sitting for too long can cause it, along with stress, bad eating habits etc. For us gay bois, we're more at risk for the type of sex we part take in. SO... be warned, get up and walk... you'll be less at risk for those veins popping out your rear and u can burn a calorie or two thus contributing to your weight loss.. Good luck!